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Engine & cooling

2021 Ford Expedition Engine problems

Owners have filed 61 complaints about the 2021 Ford Expedition's engine & cooling with NHTSA - 25% of all its complaints, most recently on October 28, 2026. They describe 0 crashes, 3 fires and 0 injuries. Stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating, head gaskets, timing chains and engine failure.

Complaints
61
Recalls
1
Crashes
0
Fires
3
Injuries
0
Deaths
0

Engine recalls for the 2021 Ford Expedition

Engine

22V34600066,221 vehicles affected

Park outside
The problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. An engine compartment fire may occur while driving or parked, even with the ignition in the "Off" position.
The risk
A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.
The fix
Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures and other vehicles, until the remedy is performed. Dealers will inspect and replace the battery junction box, as necessary, and remove a ground wire. On models equipped with standard-duty radiator fan motors, dealers will also install an auxiliary electrical box with a wire jumper. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed May 25, 2022. Owners will receive a second letter once the remedy is available. Currently the remedy is available for vehicles equipped with heavy-duty radiator fan motors, and those letters were mailed July 21, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S36.

Engine complaints

Engine & cooling

I was making a right hand turn and had loss of power and a clunk sound. I also experienced loss of power between 65-75 mph on the freeway. I ran a forscan report and it's pointing to the transmission even though the fluid and a tcm update has been performed. There is about 40k miles on the fluid.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11774159
Electrical systemBrakesEngine & cooling

Power problems and the light was on. I took it to the ford place and they didn't fix it.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Service brakes · EngineNHTSA 11773184
Transmission & drivetrainEngine & cooling

Vehicle has 84,000 miles at it. It started to jerk when putting it into a gear. I thought it was due to the colder mornings no. I was taking the kids to school and It was skipping gears. I was very leary of driving but had no choice. It would not get up to speed the rpms was suffering. I stopped at a parts store to run the code after the warning popped up. When leaving because I was 30 mins from home it jerked when I placed into gear, I was scared to pull onto the 4 lane due to not being able to get up to speed and...

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being in a high traffice area. Very unsafe. Now the vehicle is at the dealership needing a $7,000 transmission and ford will not assist. I am still financing it through a dealer and there is no Goodwill from Ford. This is known issue that they documented.

Filed Incident Power train · EngineNHTSA 11767381
Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemEngine & cooling

VIN):[[redacted]]/Make/Model: 2021 Ford Expedition XLTCurrent Mileage: Approx. 150,000 milesLocation: [[redacted]] of the Safety Defect:El vehículo presenta un defecto de seguridad crítico y extremo en el tren motriz que pone en riesgo inminente la vida de los ocupantes y de terceros en la vía pública. En dos ocasiones distintas durante los últimos 15 días, el vehículo ha sufrido una pérdida total de comunicación electrónica y un bloqueo mecánico absoluto mientras se encontraba en plena marcha en avenidas de...

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[[redacted]].Al ocurrir la falla, el tablero activa de inmediato la luz de la llave inglesa (Wrench Light), descontrola la marcha, bloquea la transmisión de 10 velocidades y activa de manera imprevista y automática el freno de emergencia electrónico, deteniendo el vehículo por completo en medio del tráfico.En el primer incidente (ocurrido en sábado), la gravedad del bloqueo mecánico obligó la intervención de los servicios de emergencia en la vía pública, requiriendo la asistencia de la policía y el cuerpo de bomberos para mover el vehículo a una zona segura. El sistema electrónico sufre un colapso total (cortocircuito térmico o fallo de la red CAN Bus) provocado por las temperaturas de la zona; el vehículo se vuelve inoperante y la computadora no responde ni permite el encendido hasta que se deja enfriar por un lapso forzoso de 2 horas.Esta falla mortal se agudizó y se volvió recurrente inmediatamente después de que un concesionario oficial de Ford aplicara la reprogramación de software correspondiente al Recall de emisiones [redacted] PCM. El concesionario original (Team Ford Lincoln) se niega a diagnosticar la gravedad de este fallo de seguridad sin un cobro de tarifa de diagnóstico de más de $500 dólares, deslindándose del peligro vial provocado tras la ejecución de su propia campaña oficial de servicio. Solicito la intervención de las autoridades federales para que el fabricante asuma la responsabilidad. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident Power train · Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11763468
Engine & coolingFuel system

The engine stalled out while trying to pass someone. The car wouldn't go faster when hitting the gas and felt like I couldnt safely slow down to get back over. It felt like something slipped and lost traction, but roads were dry and not rocky or sandy. tapping breaks and letting off gas did nothing. it has happened before but usually in winter, and gettin up to speed. its like the gear shift got stuck.

Filed Incident Engine · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11753596
Engine & cooling

When my transmission is shifting, it almost stalls about 3-4 times everytime you start off. It is a hard shift that makes it fee like the car suddenly stops then goes back. I have had it happen 3 times that I thought my car died after stopping, making weird noises, then took off like normal. I am waiting for my car to just die as I am driving. The Ford dealership said I need a new transmission. The recall is out there for other vehicles like mine, yet mine is not listed. When you read what Ford says will happen- EXACTLY what my car does!!!!! My 2021 Ford Expedition Max has 70,000 miles on it now, but when it started had about 67,000

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11748552
Transmission & drivetrainEngine & cooling

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted and the vehicle jerked abnormally. The contact stated that there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle with the Check Engine warning light illuminated. The failure was persistent. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired....

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The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 62,500.

Filed Incident Power train · EngineNHTSA 11744477
Electrical systemEngine & coolingFire

I took my vehicle to the dealership to have all recall work done on Feb. 11th 2026. I was told i am up to date on all my recall work at that time. When I received my vehicle back It would intermittently just shut down for no apparent reason while sitting at stop lights, or just stopped in that fashion. I called and the dealership they said unless they could recreate the issue somewhat easily there was noting they could really do. So while parked in driveway the vehicle again had no power, I used my emergency key...

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to get into vehicle and opened the hood to which I found the battery terminal connections were never tighten. I could take them off by hand. This told me the mechanic at the dealership didn't complete job and tighten my battery connections, Fast forward to April 18th, it was raining, I parked vehicle, still running, went into post office ( I was only gone for 30 seconds)and I came out to white smoke billowing out from under the hood. I opened hood the large flames shooting up. I quickly grabbed a fire extinguisher I had in the car and put 90% of the fire out, it was still burning at the fuse junction box, moments later a police officer showed up with fire extinguisher and was able to put it out. The car would not stop running, so once the fire dept. arrived they had to cut the battery terminals to shut the vehicle down. This was also the first time I drove vehicle in the rain since my recall work was done. The fire dept. and I realized the fuse box cover was not in place. So now this same mechanic that did't tighten battery terminals was also neglectful in not replacing the fuse box cover. I believe this neglect partially if not wholly caused this fire. It is highly probable that water got into the fuse box and shortened everything out which caused the fire. I have a document from the dealership that states they did the recall work for 22S36 - Underhood fires. But this website says this work was not performed. No inspection from anyone has been done

Filed Incident Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11732203
Transmission & drivetrainEngine & cooling

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the engine overheated. The message "Drive Mode Inoperable" was displayed. The contact pulled over for 20 minutes, and the vehicle was restarted. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who confirmed that parts were on back order for NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V346000 (Engine). The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the failure was due to the transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 99,130.

Filed Incident Power train · EngineNHTSA 11703222
Transmission & drivetrainEngine & coolingFuel system

Vehicle stalls out upon driving when trying to accelerate. Has popped up error which states to check fuel pump.

Filed Incident Power train · Engine · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11698531
Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemEngine & cooling

Wiring has soy based bioplastic insulation which apparently attract rodent damage. This damaged battery, caused spark plug to be damaged and need to be replaced. It has also caused voltage and computer performance problems affecting engine idling and shifting. Issues were extremely unpredictable and hard to diagnose leading to 5 visits to the shop and many failed attempts to repair.

Filed Incident Power train · Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11689281
Fuel systemElectrical systemEngine & cooling

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle experienced a loss of motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while attempting to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, the vehicle regained motive power independently. The local dealer was contacted and referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to a fuel system recall that had...

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not included the model year of the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000.

Filed Incident Fuel system, gasoline · Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11677500
Fuel systemEngine & cooling

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that upon attempting to accelerate from a stop, the vehicle started to shake abnormally, and lost motive power. The check engine warning light illuminated, and the contact immediately attempted to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to a local independent mechanic where it was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the fuel pump was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 95,000.

Filed Incident Fuel system, gasoline · EngineNHTSA 11673414
Transmission & drivetrainEngine & cooling

Follow up to my previous complaint (11665325)see link below. [[redacted]] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident Power train · Unknown or other · EngineNHTSA 11665915
Engine & cooling

My Ford expeditions transmission is causing unsafe driving with rough sound and thunking noise. There is a C,D,F issue and valve separator parts that are the initial issue that can cause major issues for me and many others. A Ford technician advised me that TSBs exist and made me aware that my cost could be $199 (diagnostics), $1500 (parts), and $4400 or more (transmission repair or replacement). Why is this danger still be allowed with a well known issue. The problem started and appears to be getting worse. Why is Ford being held accountable for this lack of quality in their vehicles.

Filed Incident Unknown or other · EngineNHTSA 11665325
Engine & cooling

Coolant leak possibly coming from the thermostat housing.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11648043
Transmission & drivetrainEngine & cooling

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Expedition. The contact state while driving 55 MPH, there were abnormal sounds coming from the engine and the transmission. The temperature gauge warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a Chevrolet dealer twice to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The transmission was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. After the second repair the contact noticed that the engine was overheating. The vehicle was taken to a Ford dealer and the transmission was replaced another time. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 89,035.

Filed Incident Power train · EngineNHTSA 11629636
Transmission & drivetrainAcceleration & cruise controlEngine & cooling

At 40,000 miles Transmission skips gears going from 3-4 4-5 and 7-8. Transmission jolts hard when put into reverse. Valve body was replaced which fixed the issue for a couple of months and now the same issues are occurring.

Filed Incident Power train · Vehicle speed control · EngineNHTSA 11618638
Electrical systemEngine & cooling

The Engine is shutting off completely. I am getting the message "Shift to P. the Restart Engine" This happened as the light changed to green. Heavy morning work traffic was behind me and I had never seen this before and called Ford Service manager and he had no answer. This is very dangerous especially during traffic.

Filed Incident Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11618074
Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the passenger's side catalytic converter was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to a second dealer, Bozard Ford Lincoln (540 Outlet Mall Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32084), where the passenger's side catalytic converter was replaced; however, the failure recurred 8 months later. The vehicle was taken back to the second dealer, where the...

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driver's and passenger's side catalytic converters were replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered monetary compensation; however, the contact stated that the monetary compensation was not adequate to correct the persistent failure. The failure mileage was approximately 11,000.

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 11602351
Transmission & drivetrainEngine & cooling

It started with transmission issues and has since been nothing but trouble. Car has been in and out of shop, now the ac is out. Ford takes no accountability

Filed Incident Power train · EngineNHTSA 11599309
Electrical systemBody, doors & structureEngine & coolingFire

Vehicle caught fire on February 29, 2024, with family members inside the vehicle. The fire appeared to start under the hood on the right passenger side, which would directly correlate with the current open recall. The family had just made a trip back from a basketball game and was dropping off a passenger when smoke was noticed. Upon further inspection, there was an active fire under the hood, which soon erupted into a burst of flames, causing the vehicle to be declared a total loss. Emergency responders had to be...

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called to the scene to alleviate the fire. The fire report depicts a vehicle malfunction as the cause of the ignition. Ford has made no efforts to contact the consumer regarding the fire and subsequent damage.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Structure · EngineNHTSA 11580672
Visibility & wipersEngine & cooling

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Expedition. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V250000 (Visibility) and 22V346000 (Engine) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Incident Visibility · EngineNHTSA 11569204
Transmission & drivetrainEngine & cooling

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to coast to the side of the roadway, and after restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality. The contact stated that the failure had since become a persistent failure. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not yet diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 43,000.

Filed Incident Power train · EngineNHTSA 11545194
Transmission & drivetrainEngine & cooling

After owning the car a year and about 15,000 miles I started having transmission rough shifting and lurching motions when shifting - violent lurching. I took it in to the dealership and they reset the adaptive learning component for the transmission. Nothing changed. Brought it in again and drove with technician and was able to reproduce issue. They replaced the transmission and the problems continued and actually increased with losing all acceleration on the freeway (floppy pedal) and then completely losing...

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10th gear when trying to pass another car. Luckily I was able to pull over and I did not cause an accident. It also threw a code/warning light at that time. I took it back to the dealership. They assessed and reset adaptive driving module. It then lost accelleration and wouldn't engage 10th and started smoking. Took it back to dealership and they claimed all that was due to over full transmission fluid. Original problems of rough shifting, lurching, clunking still existed. I filed a report with Ford and got a case number with the concern department. This resulted in the rear end of the car being replaced??? Car still has transmission issues, with all the above mentioned issues, and now delayed acceleration in the lower gears. Enough is enough fighting about fixing it for a year, it has been in for repairs 7 times, and over 49 days of rental cars . The vehicle does not cause warning lights at any point with the rough shifting, lurching, or lack of acceleration. All have been experienced at various times by the dealership. No solution to date.

Filed Incident Power train · EngineNHTSA 11540648

Ford Expedition engine complaints by year

Expedition engine problems, every year

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Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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